A special thank you to all my patrons.
The List of The "ANBU" Member:
-YoungPhxntom
-Robert Thompson
-ar4ngel
-Cain
-Vanish Synax
-Ryan biggins
-Goha21
-Anaral
-Adrian Kacprzycki
You can read 30 chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.
P@TREON - p@treon.com/lessaservantofcosmos
(just replace the "@" with "a")
ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!
-------------------------------------------------------------
As the morning sun bathed the earth, all eyes in Konoha Village were secretly focused on the Hyuga clan.
What had happened the previous night was shocking, and the Hyuga branch family had made no effort to conceal it from outsiders.
By morning, the prominent figures of Konoha had already caught wind of the events.
Early in the day, before the gates of the Hyuga compound even opened, Kurenai Yuhi stood outside with Kiba and Shino by her side.
"What's going on? Hinata's okay, right?" Kiba asked, exhaling white puffs of breath as he warmed his cold hands in Akamaru's fluffy fur.
"She's fine," Shino replied, bundled tightly as always. "My father saw everything last night. It seems that Hinata's younger sister, Hanabi, is now in charge of the Hyuga clan."
"No way!" Kiba's eyes widened. "That little girl?"
Creak.
The gates opened, and Hanabi was the first to step out.
"Hmph!" She glared at Kiba with a sharp gaze. "You were just badmouthing me, weren't you?"
"I wasn't!" Kiba immediately shook his head in denial, adding an ingratiating smile.
"Woof!"
Akamaru wagged his tail enthusiastically at Hanabi as well.
"You better not have been!"
Hanabi gave him a fierce look before turning to Kurenai with a sweet smile. "Teacher Kurenai, are you here to see my sister?"
"Yes, where is she?" Kurenai asked gently.
"She's at home," Hanabi said, glancing back at the people behind her. "She probably didn't sleep well last night."
"Does your team have a mission today, Teacher Kurenai?"
"No, we were just worried," Kurenai said with a smile. "If Hinata's okay, then we'll leave for now."
"Thank you for your concern." Hanabi bowed politely. "I'll let my sister know you came by."
"No need to trouble yourself."
Kurenai smiled warmly again and left with Kiba and Shino.
Hanabi watched them leave before turning to Tokuma, who stood behind her.
"Uncle Tokuma, let's go."
"Yes, Lady Hanabi."
The group headed directly toward the Hokage's office with clear intent.
Along the way, many people discreetly or openly watched them.
Under the gaze of countless onlookers, the eleven-year-old Hanabi walked with a steady stride, her face adorned with a calm smile.
Tokuma and another guard, Hiiragi, flanked her protectively, their expressions a mix of pride and satisfaction.
---
Deep in the Northern Seas, Mount Ōeyama.
Morning arrived later here than in the Land of Fire.
Kaito emerged from his room, his hair a mess and his eyes half-closed.
"Haah…"
Stretching lazily, he shuffled into the living room.
"Good morning, you two."
He waved cheerfully at Madara and Izuna, who were sitting in the living room.
The brothers glanced at him with cold expressions before resuming their quiet conversation.
Feeling awkward, Kaito retracted his hand and wandered toward the kitchen.
"Good morning, Miss Chiri," he greeted with a wave.
"Good morning, Kaito," Chiri replied with a kind smile, a spatula in hand. "Go wash up. Breakfast will be ready soon."
"Okay! Thank you, Miss Chiri!"
Energized by the response, Kaito dashed toward the washroom. Passing Madara and Izuna, he let out a dramatic huff.
"What's with him?" Izuna muttered, watching Kaito's retreating figure. "He's acting more childish by the day."
Madara chuckled but said nothing, continuing their discussion.
---
"Big news!"
A clean and tidy Kaito soon plopped himself next to the brothers, bursting with excitement.
"There's big news from Konoha!"
Izuna shot him a withering look, indulging him with a half-hearted question. "What happened?"
"The Hyuga clan's internal conflict was pretty much resolved last night!" Kaito announced, brimming with excitement.
"Oh."
Izuna's expression remained indifferent as he turned back to his discussion with Madara.
"Tch, no fun."
Kaito flopped onto the floor in mock despair.
"Kaito, breakfast is ready."
Chiri called from the dining table, carrying a tray of food.
"Coming!"
Kaito immediately sprang up and raced to the table, sitting down with enthusiasm.
"Why does he get special treatment?" Izuna muttered coolly. "He could just eat out. Chiri, you're spoiling him."
"It's fine," Chiri said with a smile, setting the food down. "I don't mind."
Kaito shot Izuna a triumphant look, earning a cold smile in response.
---
As Kaito ate quickly, he couldn't resist rejoining the brothers' conversation afterward.
He detailed the Hyuga branch family's coup, describing Tokuma's role as a double agent who leaked information while liaising with other clan leaders.
The branch family had strategically allied with supportive clans and communicated through Kakashi to Tsunade.
When Hiashi returned and held a meeting with the elders, the branch family executed a surprise attack, neutralizing the loyalists and eventually overpowering Hiashi himself.
Kaito observed the events from the shadows using paper clones.
"Hiashi was too complacent," Kaito commented. "The main family relied too much on the Caged Bird Seal, but how many people can you really control with it?"
"The branch family had always refrained from outright rebellion. Once they got serious, the main family didn't stand a chance."
Madara raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And Hanabi?"
"That little girl might have a stronger resolve than Sasuke," Kaito said with a grin. "She's likely to ensure the Hyuga clan's future is in good hands."
"Interesting," Madara remarked, offering rare praise. "It sounds like she's already surpassed her father in strength of character."
"By the way…" Kaito asked curiously, "was there ever a marriage alliance between the Uchiha and Hyuga clans in the past?"
Madara and Izuna exchanged a glance before Izuna shook his head.
"Never, and it's unlikely," Izuna replied with a disdainful look. "During the Warring States Period, clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga prioritized protecting their bloodlines. They'd never risk it."
"That makes sense," Kaito admitted with a laugh. "Things only loosened up after the village was founded, but even then, inter-clan marriages are rare."
Kaito chuckled again. "I was just wondering what kind of dojutsu a child with both Uchiha and Hyuga blood would have."
"Either Byakugan or Sharingan. What else?" Izuna rolled his eyes.
"Maybe a fusion of the two?" Kaito speculated.
"Don't tell me you're hoping Sasuke will marry a Hyuga," Izuna said with a skeptical look. "After what he did by convincing Neji to defect?"
"Just a thought!" Kaito laughed nervously. "When it comes to marriage, Sasuke will find whoever suits him best."